MORE than 3,000 protestors have signed a petition to keep a cinema open.

Staff at Flicks in Deal have been delighted by the response to the campaign, backed by the East Kent Mercury, as more signatures and letters of support pour in.

Last week, it was revealed that FS Leisure, who own Flicks, had placed the cinema under consultation, prevented staff from ordering any films for November, and notified them they anticipate having to make them redundant.

Staff member Alan Thomsett revealed that Flicks has had a stay of execution, but still believes the cinema will close.

He said: "We have now been told that we are allowed to order films until the end of the month, although I do not think it will make a difference.

"We are very happy with the support from people, they have been fantastic."

Television presenter and newsreader Jan Leeming, who lives in the area, said in a letter to the Mercury: "I read with regret that our cinema is probably closing down. Although decidedly shabby, it does fulfil a service. I recently saw Atonement there but would not have made the trek to Ashford to watch a screening or ventured into Dover of an evening."

More support has come from Deal’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Tracey Wilton. She said: "I am shocked and dismayed at the proposed closure of Flicks. It provides entertainment for children, youth, adults and the elderly alike in the town.

"Flicks, unlike the multiplexes, has a unique family feel to it and is a local treasure which is cherished. I have signed the petition and Flicks has my full support. I would urge all cinema-goers who love Deal as a town and its cinema to sign the petition."